Port Vila Handicraft Market
Port Vila Handicraft Market
4.5
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
Closed
About
A new marketplace dedicated to selling and promoting authentic Vanuatu Made Handicrafts . The market provides over 50 vendors with a platform to sell products that they have either made themselves (often on site) or have been purchased via wholesale, often from the outer islands. A wide variety of products such as baskets, home decor, carvings, jewelry and artwork are displayed and available for purchase. This marketplace is playing a pivotal role in reestablishing traditional handicrafts in the retail market after it has gradually become inundated with plastic and imported souvenirs.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
52 reviews
Excellent
30
Very good
18
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
0
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Lisa L
Cairns, Australia47 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
If you are seeking genuine handmade souvenirs to take home that puts money in the pockets of the locals you need to stop in here for a truly ethical purchase. The mama's are warm and engaging and happy to go into detail explaining the art. Some use traditional dyes giving the weaving a truly unique style that you can brag to your friends is truly one of a kind.
Written 24 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sportyrod
Hobart, Australia22 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Lots of amazing, good quality souvenirs. I especially liked the jewelry, traditional boat replicas, and prints (will be framed). All under cover and on the water's edge. Located in the main hub for easy access for tourists. Reasonably priced. Staff were friendly and easy to talk to. Items are approved to get through customs and purchasing these products supports local artists.
Written 1 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eddy V
75 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
Amazing array of goods. Very helpful vendors without being pushy. Willing to advise about the history or cultural significance of items. Easy to spend time here. Very reasonable prices plus advice regarding quarantine rules to other countries.
Written 2 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Altana
Santiago, Chile310 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We landed from a cruise ship and the first thing I must tell you is to bring A$, Australian dollars, in some places they will accept them and take a taxi boat that takes you to the center of the city, they told us that it was very close and we decided to take a walk which, in addition to the sun, became eternal. The change to Vatu is tedious, it is better to get it at the ATM. They have a market with a lot of color due to the dresses of their women and the beauty of their flowers, from there they take the taxi boats that for a cheap ticket, in our case they transfer it to Iririke Island, a must-see
Written 18 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wingecarribee
Canberra, Australia2,749 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
Authentic arts and crafts with money going back to the community. Wood carvings, weaving, paintings, shells, clothing ...... Wander through, chat to the vendors. Australian customs were okay with the smooth wooden carved turtle. Bright atmosphere. Have a look when taking a walk along the Port Vila bay promenade.
Written 2 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ani C
468 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Worth a visit and a way to support locals. Not all stalls in use when I visited but some nice things to buy. Some lovely wooden bowls, woven materials and handmade items. Nice place to find gifts for those at home.
Written 17 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caroline N
3 contributions
Dec 2017 • Business
It can be confusing, as there are a number of markets in Vila, and only one sells entirely Vanuatu made products.
Markets include:
- the handicraft market on the waterfront (next to Numbawan Cafe) sells only products made in Vanuatu (not the plastic souvenirs made in China).
- a complex on Wharf Road for cruise ship passengers,
- a little market right on the wharf for cruise ships,
- a section of the vegetable market selling island dresses and Chinese nicknacks
The products in the handicraft market on the waterfrount (next to Numbawan Cafe) is stocked with beautifully created pandanas baskets in different styles reflecting different islands, wood carvings, jewelry made from shells, seeds and ocean glass. Some locally made cosmetics, shirts, paintings and coffee.
The vendors are happy to talk about the stories behind the products and what Island they are from. Australian customs have given advice about what can be brought back into Australia - there are also signs from customs in the market so that you can double check.
Markets include:
- the handicraft market on the waterfront (next to Numbawan Cafe) sells only products made in Vanuatu (not the plastic souvenirs made in China).
- a complex on Wharf Road for cruise ship passengers,
- a little market right on the wharf for cruise ships,
- a section of the vegetable market selling island dresses and Chinese nicknacks
The products in the handicraft market on the waterfrount (next to Numbawan Cafe) is stocked with beautifully created pandanas baskets in different styles reflecting different islands, wood carvings, jewelry made from shells, seeds and ocean glass. Some locally made cosmetics, shirts, paintings and coffee.
The vendors are happy to talk about the stories behind the products and what Island they are from. Australian customs have given advice about what can be brought back into Australia - there are also signs from customs in the market so that you can double check.
Written 15 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Wandering Reviewer
Melbourne, Australia12,046 contributions
Mar 2019 • Solo
Loved this market and it’s location. I came here a few times over several days. This is primarily a craft market and is undercover.
Set in the middle of town near a hub of restaurants and cafes in Port Vila.
No plastic bags here so bring your own. Or buy a handmade woven basket
You can buy coffee, woven items, artwork, beadwork, mirrors, carvings and more.
There are a number of restaurants right next door and men out the back playing boche which was entertaining.
The food market is not far away (300 m) which is a very busy place.
Never found toilets here but there are some nearby and you often have to pay 50vt to use. Toilet paper isn’t always available.
Wheelchair friendly with wide aisles. Kid friendly.
Highly recommend you come here and immerse yourself in the heart of Port Vila craftsmanship.
Set in the middle of town near a hub of restaurants and cafes in Port Vila.
No plastic bags here so bring your own. Or buy a handmade woven basket
You can buy coffee, woven items, artwork, beadwork, mirrors, carvings and more.
There are a number of restaurants right next door and men out the back playing boche which was entertaining.
The food market is not far away (300 m) which is a very busy place.
Never found toilets here but there are some nearby and you often have to pay 50vt to use. Toilet paper isn’t always available.
Wheelchair friendly with wide aisles. Kid friendly.
Highly recommend you come here and immerse yourself in the heart of Port Vila craftsmanship.
Written 26 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott
Beaumont, TX51 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
The Handicraft Market is located along the waterfront in Port Vila with a nice selection of souvenirs. I ended up purchasing a small canvas painting, a shell and grass keychain, a bar of soap, and some Tanna coffee. You can meet the people selling the goods and ask them all about their products. The prices here may seem a bit higher than other cheap shops around town, but it's the quality and face-to-face interaction that makes it worth it. Plus, you're directly supporting the community. Cash only for most (if not all) vendors.
A positive experience: My friend purchased some artwork and apparently overpaid. The woman who sold her the paintings found us at the restaurant next door and gave my friend her extra money back. Can't beat that friendly, honest service!
A positive experience: My friend purchased some artwork and apparently overpaid. The woman who sold her the paintings found us at the restaurant next door and gave my friend her extra money back. Can't beat that friendly, honest service!
Written 24 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patty B
Brisbane, Australia199 contributions
Sept 2018 • Friends
Part of the joy of travel, is to have different conversations and experiences with other people. One of my outstanding memories was to hear the simple whirr of sewing machines and the laughter of the ladies in the markets. How good is that? No wonder they call this the Happiest Place on Earth! I'm not a huge market person BUT I love to sticky beak and feed my curiosity! I also love to photograph so take your camera but ask permission to photograph first.
I wanted authentic, locally made products to share with friends and family back home, and I had been following this market on Facebook before I went.
It was like meeting familiar friends!
Make the time to wander through and chat to the happy ladies at these markets, watch as they weave baskets and discuss their hand crafted wares.
Clean, easy to get to, good value and a wonderful introduction and keepsake of your Vanuatu adventure. It's a must see! In fact, we enjoyed it so much, we went twice, and the second day it was a bit busier, with more stalls open.
Remember there are two buildings, go to both, great variety of items to choose from. My friend's dress needed adjustment and the ladies were more than happy to quickly jump on the sewing machines and run it in for her. I also bought a couple of hand woven baskets and some gorgeous red Pandanus earrings (which the ladies in the local Vanuatu schools all exclaimed over!)
It's a good feeling to know your tourist dollar goes to support local families, crafts and traditions.
Great to fill in a rainy day!
Tip: The public loos are right near the markets, make sure you have 50V and say hello to the friendly women who look after the cleanliness of your toot!
I wanted authentic, locally made products to share with friends and family back home, and I had been following this market on Facebook before I went.
It was like meeting familiar friends!
Make the time to wander through and chat to the happy ladies at these markets, watch as they weave baskets and discuss their hand crafted wares.
Clean, easy to get to, good value and a wonderful introduction and keepsake of your Vanuatu adventure. It's a must see! In fact, we enjoyed it so much, we went twice, and the second day it was a bit busier, with more stalls open.
Remember there are two buildings, go to both, great variety of items to choose from. My friend's dress needed adjustment and the ladies were more than happy to quickly jump on the sewing machines and run it in for her. I also bought a couple of hand woven baskets and some gorgeous red Pandanus earrings (which the ladies in the local Vanuatu schools all exclaimed over!)
It's a good feeling to know your tourist dollar goes to support local families, crafts and traditions.
Great to fill in a rainy day!
Tip: The public loos are right near the markets, make sure you have 50V and say hello to the friendly women who look after the cleanliness of your toot!
Written 2 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If you are looking for souvenirs, I advice to to visit the Port Vila Handicraft Market Houses ( Aos blong Handikraft and Mahitahi). Products guaranteed made locally by small local producers. Buy one, support local.
Written 15 January 2018
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